Supplemental cover apparatus and method for access openings

ABSTRACT

A supplemental access cover is adapted to cover an access cover. The supplemental access cover includes a layer of material having a thickness in the range of 0.01 inch to 1.5 inches, and an apparatus for attaching the layer of material to the access cover. A method for paving uses the supplemental access cover. The method includes locating an access cover within an area to be paved, attaching a supplemental cover to the access cover, and paving over the access cover and the supplemental cover. The method for paving also includes relocating the access cover, and removing the supplemental cover from the access cover.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to apparatus, systems, and methods associated with access covers. More specifically, the apparatus, systems and methods relate to access cover apparatus located in paved or about to be paved areas.

BACKGROUND

Access covers for various services may be located in paved areas. For example, one type of access cover is a manhole cover for sanitary sewers or storm sewers. Many times these access covers are located in the middle of a roadway. Sanitary sewers typically run down the middle of residential streets. Storm sewers typically are located toward an edge of a roadway, but many times there are manhole covers located at points in a system where several storm sewers drain. Water mains carrying water also run in the roadways. Smaller pipes stem from the water main that feed individual homes or businesses. Mechanical water valves are generally associated with the water main and with the individual water pipes stemming from the water main. The shutoff valves for controlling the flow of water in the various water pipes may be located in a paved area. The shutoff valves are covered with access covers, which are typically much smaller than a manhole cover. Typically, the valve covers are located off the roadway but may be in a paved driveway.

There are many ways to pave a roadway or driveway. One method includes covering the roadway or driveway with asphalt. Large paving machines can handle large amounts of hot mix asphalt and can pave up to half the roadway with little or no interruption. Typically, a general contractor will have many jobs running simultaneously, so an exact time for when a roadway or driveway is ready to be paved may not exactly match the time when a paving is available. A contractor may also subcontract the paving portion of a particular job. Scheduling can be a much larger problem with subcontractors since a contractor will be unaware of exactly when the paving machines will arrive.

Typically, the paving machine will not accommodate an access cover at grade level. As a result, when a roadway or driveway is prepared for paving, the valve covers will be set below the finished grade so the paving machine will not be disrupted by the access covers. The paving machine will pave right over the access covers. After the paving is complete, the covers, typically metal, will be located and the paving material on top of the access cover will be removed. The frame for supporting the access cover is then raised so that the access cover is located at or near the finished grade upon completion of the job. Sometimes, an asphalt patch may be required to complete the job.

Removing asphalt from the access cover can be difficult and time consuming. As a result, some contractors keep spare access covers on hand and use the spare cover rather than the new access covers. This avoids the need to clean the new access covers. This method has some disadvantages. Spare covers are costly items and also take up large amounts of space. If a contractor is doing many paving jobs, many times it may be hard to store and have enough spare covers to place at several jobs. In addition, if the contractor is relying on a subcontractor for paving, there is no assurance that the subcontractor will call, much less call with enough lead time to allow access covers to be swapped out with spares. In addition, there is no option of leaving the covers off or substituting them with another, less substantial covers for fear of injury should a worker fall into the manhole or other opening.

Another aspect is that even when covers are cleaned of the asphalt, certain materials may be left behind and introduce carcinogens into the wastewater or stormwater. If the covers to the access openings are free of asphalt and tar, one less source of the carcinogens exists.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roadway prepared for paving and having a number of access openings, and access covers.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a roadway, as seen from line 2-2 in FIG. 1, prepared for paving and having a number of access openings, access covers, and supplemental access covers, according to an example embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a supplemental cover for a manhole, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a supplemental cover shown in FIG. 3, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the supplemental cover, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a supplemental cover attached to an access cover, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a supplemental cover, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a supplemental cover, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a supplemental cover that includes a mechanical fastener, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for paving a roadway, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a supplemental access cover for a manhole, according to an example embodiment.

The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments of the invention and such description is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a view of a section of a roadway 100 prepared for paving and having a number of access openings, and access covers. The roadway 100 includes curb and gutter 110 and 112. Within the roadway 100 are a number of access openings including a manhole 120 for storm water and a manhole sized access cover 122. The access openings also include an access opening 124 for a water valve 125 that has an access cover 126, and an access opening 127 for a gas valve 128 that includes an access cover 129. Also included in the roadway 100 are a first manhole 130 for sanitary sewer having a manhole sized access cover 132, and a second manhole 134 for sanitary sewer having a manhole sized access cover 136. Generally, when developing property for commercial, industrial use, or residential use, the various services placed in a public area or in an area dedicated to the public called an easement. The services are placed in the public area so they can be serviced easily and can also be easily accessed as necessary. For example, a water main is buried in the ground associated with an easement given for a street or roadway. Water lines stem out from the water main and fluidly couple to buildings associated with businesses, or residences. If natural gas is available in a particular geographic region, a gas main is buried in the ground and gas lines are branched off the main to residences and businesses. Valves, such as valve 128, are used to control the flow of natural gas. The valves 128 may be in a paved area and include a cover 129 for access by various workers. In addition, water valves, such as water valve 125, are placed in access openings, such as access opening 124, and are covered by an access cover 126. In some instances, the access openings 124, 127 may be in public areas or roadways. In other instances, the access openings 124, 127 may be in a driveway or lawn which still would be in an easement associated with a roadway. A sanitary sewer system is also buried in the ground and runs along the roadway 100. Sanitary sewers generally do not have valves, but do include access openings 130, 134 along their length so that sewer lines can be cleared if needed. In some instances, tree roots reach the sewer lines and block the sewer lines. The access openings also allow workers to run cameras down the sewer lines to check for cracks or breaks in a line. This may be done as an inspection before accepting the job as complete when the sewer lines are initially installed or may be done later one when diagnosing a problems with the sewer lines. Of course, the access openings 130, 134 also have access covers 132, 136 which are generally at approximately the level of the roadway.

FIG. 2 is a partially cut away side view of a portion of a roadway 100, as seen from line 2-2 in FIG. 1, prepared for paving and having a number of access openings 130, 127, and access covers 132, 129, according to an example embodiment described herein. The roadway 100 also includes a first supplemental access cover 232 and a second supplemental access cover 229. The first supplemental access cover 232 covers access cover 132. The second supplemental access cover 229 covers the access cover 129. The first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are oversized when compared to the size of the access covers 129, 132 and access openings 127, 130, respectively. The first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are oversized so that the when covered with asphalt or another paving material, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 cover the access covers 129, 132, respectively. In fact, as shown in FIG. 2, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are oversized so that all portions of the access opening 127 and 130 are also covered. When oversized, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 substantially prevent asphalt and any tar sprayed down prior to laying down the asphalt paving material from contacting the access cover 129 and the access cover 132. When oversized so that the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 also cover most of the portion of the access opening 127 and the access opening 130, contact with asphalt and any tar sprayed down prior to laying down the asphalt paving material is also substantially prevented. This will help the contractor meet certain requirements of the job, including regulations that may relate to pollution control. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a base material 210, such as gravel, for the roadway. The base material 210 is placed approximately flush with the first access cover 129 and the second access cover 132. In most instances, the roadway will be crowned or rounded to facilitate the run off of water from the roadway 100. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the curb and gutter 110. The base material 210 is placed below the height of the curb and gutter 110 so that after the roadway 100 is paved, the edge of the curb and gutter 110 is substantially flush with the roadway 100. Curb and gutter 110 is generally used in residential or commercial areas. It can be used on highways as well. There may also be applications or where the curb and gutter 110 is eliminated.

The first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are non permanently attached to the access cover 129 and the access cover 132 by one of several methods. Although non permanently attached, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are attached so that they remain attached through various environmental conditions, such as wind storms and thunderstorms and the like. The first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are also attached so that they stay attached when a paver places pavement on or over the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232. For example, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 can include one or more magnetic strips to attach to the access cover 129 and the access cover 132. This presumes that the access cover 129 and the access cover 132 are formed from ferromagnetic metals. In other embodiments, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are attached using high powered magnets. In still other embodiments, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are attached using an adhesive. The adhesive releases from the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 when they are detached.

The first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are formed from a material which has a thickness which is less than the thickness of asphalt to be placed on the roadway 100. In some embodiments, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 have a thickness of two inches of less. In one embodiment, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 have a thickness in a range two inches to 0.75 inches. In other embodiments, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 have a thickness in a range 1.5 inches to 0.1 inches. The material does not have to be sufficiently strong to replace the access covers 129, 132. The material attaches to the access covers 129, 132 and relies upon the strength of the access covers 129, 132 to support the weight of cars, construction machinery, persons, or the like. The material for the supplemental access covers 229, 232 has to be sufficiently durable to endure being covered by a paving material. In some embodiments, the material for the supplemental access covers 229, 232 has to be sufficiently durable to withstand being covered by paving material repeatedly. In some embodiments, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are formed from a material that is highly visible. For example, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 may be made of a bright material, such a florescent orange or yellow or other bright color. When the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are made from bright colors, they can be easily found. In some embodiemnts, the material can also be substantially lighter in weight that the first access cover 129 and the second access cover 132.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first supplemental cover 229 is for covering a valve and the second supplemental access cover is for covering a man hole. The first supplemental cover 229 and the second supplemental cover 232 will come in various diameters to cover all types of access openings. Some of the sizes will include diameters of 6.5, 7 and 8 inches for covering valve covers. Other sizes will include diameters of 32, 34 and 36 inches. It is contemplated that the supplemental covers could be any size and are not limited in terms of shape. Therefore, other diameters of supplemental covers are contemplated as well as other shapes of supplemental covers. In addition, in one embodiment, the cover material can be cut to a selected shape to cover other features.

Generally, after covering the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 with a paving material, the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 will be found and removed. The first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 can be found using a metal detecting device such as a pipe locator since these supplemental access covers are located atop the metal first access cover 129 and the metal, second access cover 132. Once located, the asphalt or other paving material is removed and the first supplemental access cover 229 and the second supplemental access cover 232 are removed, leaving the first access cover 129 and the second access cover 132 relatively clean and substantially free of asphalt. The first access cover 129 and the second supplemental cover 132 are then raised up to the grade of the roadway 100. The openings formed can then be patched. The first access cover 129 and the second access cover 132 are clean or substantially free of asphalt material or tar.

Generally, at a construction site where paving is part of a job, all the accessc covers associated with the access openings in a roadway will be covered with supplemental covers before paving takes place. One time the supplemental covers can be placed on all the access covers is at the time the access covers are set on the roadway. Of course the supplemental covers can also be set on the access covers after initially being set. Another method might be to place the supplemental covers onto the access covers before they are set in the roadway. In one embodiment, the supplemental covers could be placed on the access covers by the manufacturer. After placing all the supplemental covers, the roadway 100 is paved. A paving machine will pave over all the access openings and the supplemental covers. FIG. 2 shows only two of the access covers 129, 132 and supplemental covers 229, 232 that will be paved over. However, in most situations all or most of the access covers on a roadway will be covered with a supplemental cover. After paving over the covers and supplemental covers, the covers will be located, the asphalt above the covers and the supplemental covers will be removed. The height of the access openings will be brought up to the level of the asphalt and the supplemental covers will be removed. If patching is required, it will be done. The removed supplemental covers can be thrown or reused on another job.

It should be noted that the suppleme

FIG. 3 is a top view of a supplemental access cover 332 for a manhole, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a supplemental cover 332 shown in FIG. 3, according to an example embodiment. Now referring to both FIGS. 3 and 4, the supplemental access cover 332 will be further discussed. The supplemental cover 332 includes a main body 310. Attached to the main body 310 are a magnetic strip 320, a magnetic strip 322, a magnetic strip 324, a magnetic strip 326, a magnetic strip 328, a magnetic strip 340, and a magnetic strip 342. The supplemental access cover 332 has a diameter D and a thickness T. The supplemental access cover 332 is oversized with respect to the access cover it is designed to cover. In one example, the supplemental access cover 332 for a 32 inch manhole has a diameter, D, of approximately 33.25 inches. Of course, the amount the supplemental access cover is oversized can vary. The thickness T is selected so that the supplemental access cover 332 will be under the height of the paving material. The thickness, T, of the material is also selected so that the supplemental access cover 332 is durable enough to survive being covered with paving material. In some instances, the supplemental access cover 332 has to be durable enough to allow being covered with a paving material repeatedly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the supplemental cover 532, according to an example embodiment. The supplemental cover 532 includes a first major surface 534 and a second major surface 536. The supplemental cover 532 includes a set of grooves 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 540 and 542 in the first major surface 534. The grooves 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 540 and 542 hold the magnetic strip 320, the magnetic strip 322, the magnetic strip 324, the magnetic strip 326, the magnetic strip 328, the magnetic strip 340, and the magnetic strip 342, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a supplemental cover 632 attached to an access cover 132, according to an example embodiment. The supplemental cover can be held by one or more large magnets, such as magnets 650 and 652. The magnets can be of any shape. The supplemental cover 632 can also be provided with depressions or areas which are sized to hold the magnets 650, 652. The depressions are also thin the supplemental cover so that a stronger magnetic force is produced between the magnets 650, 652 and the access cover 132.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of a supplemental cover 732, according to an example embodiment. The supplemental cover 732 includes one or more magnets 750, 752 located within the supplemental cover 732. The supplemental cover 732 can be molded around the magnets 750, 752. The magnets may be of different shapes as well. For example, a ring magnet or series of ring magnets could be molded into the supplemental access cover 732.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a supplemental cover 832 attached to an access cover 132, according to an example embodiment. The supplemental cover 832 is held or attached to the access cover 132 by an adhesive 860, 862 and 862. Each portion of adhesive could be formulated to release easily from a metal access cover 132. In the alternative, the adhesive could be easily dissolved in a solvent. The adhesive could be put down in individual portions or could put down as a continuous bead either on the access cover 132 or on the supplemental cover 832.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a supplemental cover 932 that includes a mechanical hook 960 for attaching the supplemental cover 932 to an access cover 132 using one or both openings of the access cover 132, according to an example embodiment. Access covers 132, 129 many times include openings, such as opening 950 and opening 952, to enable removal of the access covers. For example, a manhole type access cover includes a pair of openings that are large enough to receive the end of a miner's pick. A manhole type access cover, such as access cover 132, made of metal is very heavy. A pick or other tool is inserted into one of the openings and used as a lever to remove the man hole cover from the manhole. The mechanical device 960 includes a first mechanism 970 and a second mechanism 980. The first mechanism 970 includes a first L-shaped bolt 972 having a threaded end for receiving a nut 974 or the like. The second mechanism 980 includes a first L-shaped bolt 982 having a threaded end for receiving a nut 984 or the like. The mechanical fastener may also include a device that fits within an opening or opening in the access opening. Of course, the mechanical fastener 960 could include latches or other mechanical devices.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method 1000 for paving a roadway, according to an example embodiment. The method 1000 for paving includes locating an access cover within an area to be paved 1010, attaching a supplemental cover to the access cover 1012, and paving over the access cover and the supplemental cover 1014. The method for paving also includes relocating the access cover 1016, and removing the supplemental cover from the access cover 1018. In some embodiments, removing the supplemental cover from the access cover 1016 includes removing a layer of paving material positioned over the supplemental cover and the access cover. The method 1000 also includes reusing the supplemental cover 1018. In one embodiment, attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover 1012 includes associating a magnetic material with the supplemental cover. In another example embodiment, attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover 1012 includes placing an adhesive between the supplemental cover and the access cover. The adhesive, in some embodiments, is a releasable adhesive, such as one that releases from the access cover. The adhesive or the magnetic material hold the supplemental cover with a force sufficient to prevent the supplemental cover from coming off as a result of weather or the like. In still other embodiments, attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover 1012 includes mechanically fastening the supplemental cover to the access cover. The mechanical fastener can include a set of bolts or the like. The mechanical fastener may also include a device that fits within an opening or opening in the access cover. Relocating the access cover 1016 can include locating the access cover with a metal detecting apparatus. In another embodiment, relocating the access cover can include visually locating the supplemental access cover. For example, the supplemental access cover can be made from a material having a highly visible color such as florescent orange, green or yellow.

A supplemental access cover is adapted to cover an access cover. The supplemental access cover includes a layer of material having a thickness in the range of 0.01 inch to 1.5 inches, and an apparatus for attaching the layer of material to the access cover. the layer of material is also sized to substantially cover a major surface of the access cover. In one embodiment, the apparatus for attaching a layer of material to the access cover includes at least one magnet, and the layer of material includes a cavity therein. The cavity is sized to receive the at least one magnet. In another embodiment, the layer of material includes a plurality of cavities therein. The plurality of cavities hold the at least one magnetic device. In one embodiment, the plurality of cavities are grooves that hold magnetic tape. In another embodiment, an adhesive is attached to the supplemental access cover. The adhesive also attaches the supplemental access cover to the actual access cover. In other embodiments, the supplemental access cover includes a mechanical fastener. In one embodiment, the supplemental access cover has a density that is less than the density of the access cover. For example, in one embodiment the supplemental access cover is made of a plastic material which is less dense than a metal access opening cover, such as a manhole cover. The access cover includes a major surface. The layer of material associated with the supplemental access cover has a size slightly larger than the major surface of the access cover. The layer of material of the supplemental access cover is formed of a material of a visible color. For example, the visible color may be florescent. The supplemental access cover is also formed of a material that is sufficiently durable to withstand being covered with asphalt a plurality of times.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a supplemental access cover 1132 for a manhole, according to an example embodiment. The supplemental cover 1132 includes a main body 1110. The main body 1110 includes a plurality of radial channels 1120, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127 that are dimensioned to hold magnetic strips, such as magnetic strip 320 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The radial channels 1120, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127 are on radials from the center of the main body 1110 of the supplemental access cover 1132. The supplemental access cover 1132 also has a plurality of radial ribs 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117. The radial ribs 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117 are for providing strength to the main body 1110 of the supplemental manhole cover 1132. The supplemental access cover 1132 has a diameter D and a thickness T. The supplemental access cover 1132 may be oversized with respect to the access cover it is designed to cover. In one example, the supplemental access cover 1132 for a 32 inch manhole has a diameter, D, of approximately 33.25 inches. Of course, the amount the supplemental access cover is oversized can vary. The thickness T is selected so that the supplemental access cover 1132 will be under the height of the paving material. Generally, the thickness of the paving material, such as asphalt, is in the range of 1.75 to 3.25 inches. The thickness, T, of the material is also selected so that the supplemental access cover 1132 is durable enough to survive being covered with paving material. In some instances, the supplemental access cover 1132 has to be durable enough to allow being covered with a paving material repeatedly.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for paving comprising: locating an access cover within an area to be paved; attaching a supplemental cover to the access cover; paving over the access cover and the supplemental cover; relocating the access cover; and removing supplemental cover from the access cover.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein removing the supplemental cover from the access cover includes removing a layer of paving material positioned over the supplemental cover and the access cover.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising reusing the supplemental cover.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes associating a magnetic material with the supplemental cover.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes placing an adhesive between the supplemental cover and the access cover.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes placing a releasable adhesive between the supplemental cover and the access cover.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes mechanically fastening the supplemental cover to the access cover.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein relocating the access cover includes locating the access cover with a metal detecting apparatus.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein relocating the access cover includes visually locating the supplemental access cover.
 10. A supplemental access cover adapted to cover an access cover comprising: a layer of material having a thickness in the range of 0.01 inch to 1.5 inches, the layer of material sized to substantially cover a major surface of the access cover; and an apparatus for attaching the layer of material to the access cover.
 11. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the apparatus for attaching a layer of material to the access cover includes at least one magnet.
 12. The supplemental access cover of claim 11 wherein the layer of material includes a cavity therein, the cavity sized to receive the at least one magnet.
 13. The supplemental access cover of claim 11 wherein the layer of material includes a plurality of cavities therein, the plurality of cavities holding the at least one magnetic device.
 14. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the apparatus for attaching the layer of material includes magnetic tape.
 15. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the apparatus for attaching the layer of material includes an adhesive.
 16. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the apparatus for attaching the layer of material includes a mechanical fastener.
 17. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the layer of material has a density that is less than the density of the access cover.
 18. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the layer of material has a size slightly larger than a major surface of the access cover.
 19. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the layer of material is formed of a material of a visible color.
 20. The supplemental access cover of claim 10 wherein the layer of material is sufficiently durable to withstand being covered with asphalt a plurality of times. 